FSUNow | Fairmont State University - Morris Morrisonhttp://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/category/tags/morris-morrison
enHigher Education Has the Power to Change Liveshttp://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/higher-education-has-power-change-lives-0
<div class="field field-name-field-news-date field-type-date field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Tuesday, November 27, 2012</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-share-buttons field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Higher Education Has the Power to Change Lives - FSUNow | Fairmont State University" addthis:url="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/higher-education-has-power-change-lives-0"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_tweet" tw:count="horizontal" tw:via="FairmontState"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_google_plusone" g:plusone:size="standard"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest"></a>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
<p>When Morris Morrison finished his high school education, all he wanted was a chance to be successful in life, and he knew that he would need a college education to make that a reality.</p>
<p>Without the help of parents in his life to support him financially, Morrison was faced with the task of paying for college on his own.</p>
<p>“Without a scholarship from Fairmont State, I am not sure how I would have completely paid for college,” Morrison said. “Fairmont State stepped up to make sure that everything I needed would be taken care of. And because of the scholarship support that I received from Fairmont State, I had the confidence to get my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.”</p>
<p>Today, Morrison, who graduated from Fairmont State in 2002, is a business owner and motivational speaker who is making a difference in the lives of others. “I have a chance to impact the world and my clients with the same level of care and support that Fairmont State provided for me,” he said.</p>
<p>Like many of Fairmont State University’s students, President Maria Rose was the first member of her family to attend college and knows the life-changing power of education.</p>
<p>“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was one of those kids who played school,” she said. “There was never a doubt in my mind or in my parents’ minds that I would go to college, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would someday be a university president. That is the power of a higher education degree. Education can create opportunities you never dared to imagine.”</p>
<p>Rose said that college graduates benefit on a personal level from higher education, and college degrees are vital in order to have a successful economy.</p>
<p>“Another added benefit is that the college experience helps make us more well-rounded as people and better citizens by exposing us to diverse viewpoints and new social and cultural experiences,” she said.</p>
<p>Rose said the West Virginia College Completion Task Force has reported that 49 percent of all jobs in the state will mandate some postsecondary training by 2018. Currently, only 27.5 percent of adults ages 25 and older in West Virginia hold a college degree. Across the nation, 41.1 percent of adults have earned a two-year or four-year degree.</p>
<p>Fairmont State helps its students be prepared to join the workforce and participate in lifelong learning.</p>
<p>“The mission of Fairmont State is to provide opportunities for individuals to achieve their professional and personal goals and discover roles for responsible citizenship that promote the common good,” Rose said.</p>
<p>FSU encourages students of all ages to complete their degree.</p>
<p>Adam Green, Director of the Division of Student Success and P-20 Initiatives for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said anyone who receives an advanced degree – two-year or four-year – is much more competitive in the workforce.</p>
<p>“We know that higher education is the primary vehicle for improving one’s quality of life and improving one’s standard of living,” he said. “Higher education yields higher earnings, greater job security and the opportunity to live a more fulfilling life.”</p>
<p>Research indicates that the typical bachelor’s degree recipient can expect to earn about 66 percent more during a 40-year working life as compared to the typical high school graduate in that same period of time, Green said.</p>
<p>The HEPC partnered with the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts to create the College Foundation of West Virginia.</p>
<p>The purpose of this effort is to drive all people – whether they are traditional age students, adult learners, parents or counselors – to one web portal, cfwv.com. This interactive site, which has pulled together multiple resources, is a place where people can plan, apply and pay for college.</p>
<p>“It really is about ease and making what some may view as an obstacle much easier,” Green said. “I think that everyone wants a brighter tomorrow, and education and training beyond high school is going to make tomorrow brighter.”</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/morris-morrison">Morris Morrison</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/west-virginia-higher-education-policy-commission">West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/dr-adam-green">Adam Green</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/maria-rose">Maria Rose</a></div></div></div>Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:54:21 +0000apellegrin9392 at http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunowRegister Now for the 20th Annual Student Leadership Conferencehttp://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/register-now-20th-annual-student-leadership-conference
<div class="field field-name-field-news-date field-type-date field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Friday, January 27, 2012</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-share-buttons field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Register Now for the 20th Annual Student Leadership Conference - FSUNow | Fairmont State University" addthis:url="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/register-now-20th-annual-student-leadership-conference"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_tweet" tw:count="horizontal" tw:via="FairmontState"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_google_plusone" g:plusone:size="standard"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest"></a>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_display/public/news_images/Save%20the%20Date_Leadership-Conference-2012.jpg?itok=VCSYvQIV" rel="lightbox[field_news_image][]" title=""><img src="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/news_full_story/public/news_images/Save%20the%20Date_Leadership-Conference-2012.jpg?itok=-nMvrwys" width="300" height="222" alt="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
<p>On Feb. 17 and 18, Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community &amp; Technical College will host the 20<sup>th</sup> Annual Student Leadership Conference with the theme “Where Will You Be Tomorrow?” Sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Residence Life and Student Government, the conference is designed for high school and college students, student organization and club leaders, Greek life officers and members, Student Government members, Freshman Counselors, residence hall advisers and prospective leaders.</p>
<!--break-->
<p>To register, visit <a href="../../../leadershipconference/registration">http://www.fairmontstate.edu/leadershipconference/registration</a> or <a href="http://www.pierpont.edu/leadershipconference/registration">http://www.pierpont.edu/leadershipconference/registration</a>. The conference registration fee is $35 for the general public, high school students and college or university students. Registration is free for FSU and Pierpont students and FSU GEAR UP students. FSU GEAR UP students should contact their GEAR UP liaison to register. For more information, call (304) 367-4215.</p>
<p>The conference will focus on helping students strengthen their personal and professional leadership skills. Sessions are intended to inspire students to engage more on campus, in the community and in the world.</p>
<p>Events on Friday, Feb. 17, will include registration and dinner from 5 to 6 p.m. in Colebank Hall Gym, followed by a welcome and icebreaker activity from 6 to 7 p.m. Keynote speaker Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch will present remarks at 7 p.m. A Mardi Gras Party, featuring a DJ, dancing, refreshments, contests and prizes, is planned for 9 to 11 p.m. in the Falcon Center third floor conference rooms.</p>
<p>Consuelo Castillo-Kickbusch is an inspiration to people everywhere. She comes from a financially challenged background, yet rose to become the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field in the U.S. Army. LTC Castillo-Kickbusch motivates everyone from Fortune 500 CEOs to young children with her lectures, and has now set her words in stone in a book titled “Journey to the Future,” which is a guide to success that children everywhere can utilize as a manual for life.</p>
<p>In 1996, Castillo-Kickbusch retired as a 20-year military veteran and founded Educational Achievement Services, Inc. (EAS) to realize her personal dream and mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders today. Consuelo has created The Family Leadership Institute (FLI) as a branch of Educational Achievement Services, Inc. FLI is a comprehensive program dedicated to helping immigrant Hispanic families participate in their children’s education so that their young people stay in school and pursue advanced degrees.</p>
<p>Castillo-Kickbusch’s results-oriented seminars utilize real-life case studies, successful leadership behaviors and guiding principles through role-play to provide a dynamic and interactive learning environment. As a result, participants develop leadership skills and achieve optimum performance. She also helps them to examine the role our diverse cultures and backgrounds bring to leadership development.</p>
<p>Registration and breakfast will be from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, with a welcome at 9:30 a.m.</p>
<p>Keynote speaker Michael Belmear will present remarks at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in Colebank Hall Gym. Belmear began his career in higher education at West Virginia University working as the stack supervisor for the downtown main campus library from 1971 to 1974. He was then hired at WVU as an admissions counselor from 1974 to 1978 and was responsible for increasing minority enrollment. During that time, both overall university enrollment and minority enrollment increased.</p>
<p>Michael Belmear came to Fairmont State as a Student Affairs counselor in August 1979. In this position, he served as a counselor and recruiter. His duties were later expanded to include advisor to the Student Government and Student Activities programs. For 31 years, he was director of the New Student Orientation program, and he also created and directed the annual statewide Fairmont State and Pierpont Student Leadership Conference. In 1993, he was appointed Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and then served as Vice President for Student Affairs for FSU and Pierpont. His responsibilities included housing, multicultural affairs, disability services, student health service, counseling, student activities and development, career services and managing the Turley Center.</p>
<p>During his time at Fairmont State and Pierpont, Belmear worked to get Student Government executive officers paid, created the statewide student leadership conference, expanded the New Student Orientation program, created the Fairmont State and Pierpont Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series, served as Vice President for the Governor’s Commission on the Holocaust, created the Student Affairs Hall of Fame, organized and helped create the exchange program with the University of Calabria in Italy including a Summer Exchange Camp for high school students from Italy and created the Diversity Scholars Camp for minority students.</p>
<p>Throughout his professional career, he was selected as the Classified Staff Employee of the Year in 1995, elected President of The WV Association of Student Personnel Administrators, received the West Virginia Association of Student Personnel Distinguished Service Award, received The City of Fairmont Arts and Humanities Commission Patron of the Arts Award and was selected as the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival 2009 Honorary Italian Man of The Year.</p>
<p>Belmear is a native of Fairmont and earned his B.A. degree in Public Relations and M.A. in counseling and guidance from West Virginia University. He taught undergraduate classes in Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Race, Class and Gender and Empowering Leadership. He and his wife Robin live in Morgantown and have two sons, Michael and Andrew. He enjoys golf and is an avid reader.</p>
<p>Leadership development workshops are planned from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Lunch will be from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in Colebank Hall Gym. Morris Morrison will present a special workshop titled “Student Leader to High Achiever” for pre-registered students will be from 1 to 3:50 p.m. A wrap-up with the awarding of certificates and door prizes is set for 4 p.m. in Colebank Hall Gym.</p>
<p>Morris Morrison was born in New York City. Shortly after his birth, he was orphaned by the death of his mother and father. Upon the last request of his parents, Morrison was cared for and raised by the late Gwendolyn Sanders, of Fairmont. Although she passed away when he was a teenager, “Mrs. Gwen” left Morrison in the hands of a community that would be instrumental in assisting him in fulfilling the opportunities that she sacrificed to give him: the opportunity to pursue his complete potential, while giving back to a community that gave him so much. Through his company, The Morris Morrison Development Group, based in Lake Norman, N.C., he utilizes the leadership experiences that he learned in Fairmont to impact a variety of clients both domestically and internationally. </p>
<p>Sign language interpreters and other accommodations for those with disabilities are available by request by contacting (304) 367-4686 or <a href="mailto:Andrea.Pammer@fairmontstate.edu">Andrea.Pammer@fairmontstate.edu</a> or <a href="mailto:Andrea.Pammer@pierpont.edu">Andrea.Pammer@pierpont.edu</a> by Feb. 13. Sign language interpreting for the keynote speakers on Friday evening and Saturday morning will be provided.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/student-government">Student Government</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/gear">GEAR UP</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/laurie-johnston">Laurie Johnston</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/michael-belmear">Michael Belmear</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/morris-morrison">Morris Morrison</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/office-student-affairs">Office of Student Affairs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/student-leadership-conference">Student Leadership Conference</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/andrea-pammer">Andrea Pammer</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/office-residence-life">Office of Residence Life</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/consuelo-castillo-kickbusch-0">Consuelo Castillo-Kickbusch</a></div></div></div>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:08:35 +0000apellegrin9137 at http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunowAlumnus Morris Morrison to Speak Oct. 20http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/alumni-pride/alumnus-morris-morrison-speak-campus-oct-20
<div class="field field-name-field-news-date field-type-date field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thursday, October 13, 2011</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-share-buttons field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Alumnus Morris Morrison to Speak Oct. 20 - FSUNow | Fairmont State University" addthis:url="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/alumni-pride/alumnus-morris-morrison-speak-campus-oct-20"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_tweet" tw:count="horizontal" tw:via="FairmontState"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_google_plusone" g:plusone:size="standard"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest"></a>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_display/public/news_images/Morris%20Morrison_CMYK.jpg?itok=1qsifdA5" rel="lightbox[field_news_image][]" title=""><img src="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/news_full_story/public/news_images/Morris%20Morrison_CMYK.jpg?itok=_zT3VpBs" width="240" height="300" alt="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
<p>As part of the Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series and as part of Homecoming 2011 at Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community &amp; Technical College, Morris Morrison will speak on campus on Thursday, Oct. 20.</p>
<!--break-->
<p>Morrison, a 2002 graduate of Fairmont State, will share his life story to show how passion and focus can change your direction and prepare you for success. He will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in Colebank Hall Gym.</p>
<p>Morrison was born in New York City. Shortly after his birth, he was left orphaned by the death of his mother and father due to drugs, alcohol and a life lived in the streets of New York. Morrison grew up in a community where drug and alcohol abuse was prevalent and where many people were faced with difficult circumstances to overcome. </p>
<p>Despite the challenges that Morrison faced at an early age, he continued to stay focused, driven and passionate about being successful in life—placing personal leadership and education high on his list of priorities. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fairmont State and a master’s degree in business from West Virginia University. Upon completion of graduate school, he was selected to further his educational and business experience as a management associate in BB&amp;T University’s Management Development Program, the top Management Development Program in the financial services industry.</p>
<p>Morrison’s drive, ambition and genuine love for motivating others continue to keep him focused on growing each day, pursuing his dreams and helping others grow through his experiences. Today, he engages and inspires his audiences as he shares the personal leadership strategies that enabled him to persevere through life’s early challenges. </p>
<p>His is a true life success story that’s only just begun. In addition to becoming a highly sought-after motivational speaker and leadership development professional, Morrison is also busy publishing his first book. Audience members agree that Morris Morrison’s motivational leadership programs illustrate two very important points: everyone has a unique life story, equipped with its own challenges and adversity, but it’s the application of your individual gifts and personal leadership that will help you to unleash your true potential. </p>
<p>Morrison challenges others to explore their leadership ability with the courage to pursue their dreams. He inspires others with a message that they will never forget, and he motivates others to believe in their own ability to be more successful than they have ever dreamed of becoming.</p>
<p>The Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series brings nationally prominent speakers of diverse viewpoints to campus each fall and spring. This year’s speakers include Lee Maynard, Byron Pitts, Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, Michael Belmear, Liz Murray and Geraldine Brooks. Admission is free and open to the public for all of the events in the lecture series. Tickets are not required. For more information, call the Student Affairs Office at (304) 367-4215.</p>
<p>Sign Language Interpreting and other accommodations for those with disabilities are available by request. Please contact Andrea Pammer, at least two weeks prior to each event in the Lecture Series, by phone at (304) 367-4686 or e-mail at <a href="mailto:Andrea.Pammer@fairmontstate.edu"><u>Andrea.Pammer@fairmontstate.edu</u></a>or <a href="mailto:Andrea.Pammer@pierpont.edu"><u>Andrea.Pammer@pierpont.edu</u></a>.</p>
<p>For a complete list of events for Homecoming 2011, visit <a href="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/homecoming"><u>www.fairmontstate.edu/homecoming</u></a> or <a href="http://www.pierpont.edu/homecoming"><u>www.pierpont.edu/homecoming</u></a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/homecoming">Homecoming</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/celebration-ideas-lecture-series">Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/morris-morrison">Morris Morrison</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/office-student-affairs">Office of Student Affairs</a></div></div></div>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:47:57 +0000apellegrin9070 at http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunowCelebration of Ideas Lecture Series Continues Nov. 29 with Byron Pittshttp://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/celebration-ideas-lecture-series-2011-2012-lineup-announced
<div class="field field-name-field-news-date field-type-date field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thursday, September 15, 2011</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-share-buttons field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series Continues Nov. 29 with Byron Pitts - FSUNow | Fairmont State University" addthis:url="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/celebration-ideas-lecture-series-2011-2012-lineup-announced"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_tweet" tw:count="horizontal" tw:via="FairmontState"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_google_plusone" g:plusone:size="standard"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest"></a>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_display/public/news_images/Pitts%2C%20Byron%20HR.jpg?itok=xOgD38Fz" rel="lightbox[field_news_image][]" title=""><img src="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/news_full_story/public/news_images/Pitts%2C%20Byron%20HR.jpg?itok=H-gPO4Wm" width="222" height="300" alt="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
<p>The Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series at Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community &amp; Technical College brings nationally prominent speakers of diverse viewpoints to campus each fall and spring.</p>
<!--break-->
<p>“It is our goal to create a campus environment where open exchange of ideas is both promoted and celebrated,” said Dr. Quentin Johnson, Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services.</p>
<p>“We believe that the development of our student body must include exposure to a variety of ideas. Through this exposure, our students will be better prepared to operate in an increasingly complex society. We are very fortunate to be able to bring this diverse and talented group of speakers into North Central West Virginia. The 2011-2012 Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series seeks to provide a variety of perspectives as they pertain to national and global issues.”</p>
<p>This year’s speakers include Lee Maynard, Fairmont State alumnus Morris Morrison, Byron Pitts, Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, Michael Belmear, Liz Murray and Geraldine Brooks.</p>
<p>Admission is free and open to the public for all of the events in the lecture series. Tickets are not required. For more information, call the Student Affairs Office at (304) 367-4215.</p>
<p>Sign Language Interpreting and other accommodations for those with disabilities are available by request. Please contact Andrea Pammer, at least two weeks prior to each event in the Lecture Series, by phone at (304) 367-4686 or e-mail at <a href="mailto:Andrea.Pammer@fairmontstate.edu">Andrea.Pammer@fairmontstate.edu</a> or <a href="mailto:Andrea.Pammer@pierpont.edu">Andrea.Pammer@pierpont.edu</a>.</p>
<p> <img alt="" src="/fsunow/sites/default/files/medium_Pitts%2C%20Byron%20HR.jpg" class="adaptive-image" /></p>
<p><strong>Byron Pitts<br />
7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2011 <br />
Colebank Hall Gym</strong></p>
<p>Known for his thought-provoking coverage and his commitment to exceptional storytelling, Byron Pitts is a multiple Emmy award winning journalist. As Chief National Correspondent for the CBS “<em>Evening News With Katie Couric</em>,” Pitts was an embedded reporter covering the Iraq war and was recognized for his work under fire. Pitts was also CBS’ lead correspondent at Ground Zero immediately following the September 11th attacks and won an Emmy for his coverage. A news veteran with over 20 years of experience, other major stories include the war in Afghanistan, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the military buildup in Kuwait and the refugee crisis in Kosovo, to name but a few. Pitts realized a lifelong goal when he was named a Contributing Correspondent to CBS’ “<em>60 Minutes”</em> in 2009.</p>
<p>Pitts’ many achievements are all the more extraordinary when he tells of the many obstacles he faced as a child. Raised by a single mother in a working class neighborhood in Baltimore, Pitts was illiterate until the age of 12 and had a persistent stutter. Capitalizing on his desire to play football, his mother mandated he receive Bs or above in school in order to play. With that focus, Pitts learned to read and went on to attend Ohio Wesleyan University. With the help of his roommate and a college professor, Pitts found the support and encouragement necessary to pursue a career in broadcast journalism–a field that demands excellence in writing and speaking. By staying focused, setting simple and achievable goals and finding strength in faith, Pitts overcame his powerful odds and his disability. He graduated in 1982 with a B.A. in Journalism and Speech Communication.</p>
<p> <img alt="" src="/fsunow/sites/default/files/medium_Castillo-Kickbusch%20C-Photo.jpg" class="adaptive-image" /></p>
<p><strong>Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch</strong> <br /><strong>7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2012</strong><br /><strong>Colebank Hall Gym</strong><br /><br />
Consuelo Castillo-Kickbusch will be the Friday evening keynote speaker for the Annual Student Leadership Conference.Any high school and college age students interested in attending the Annual Student Leadership Conference should contact Sue Conrad at <a href="mailto:Sue.Conrad@fairmontstate.edu">Sue.Conrad@fairmontstate.edu</a> or <a href="mailto:Sue.Conrad@pierpont.edu">Sue.Conrad@pierpont.edu</a> for registration information.</p>
<p>Castillo-Kickbusch is an inspiration to people everywhere. She comes from a financially challenged background, yet rose to become the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field in the U.S. Army. LTC Castillo-Kickbusch motivates everyone from Fortune 500 CEOs to young children with her lectures, and has now set her words in stone in a book titled “Journey to the Future,” which is a guide to success that children everywhere can utilize as a manual for life.</p>
<p>In 1996, Castillo-Kickbusch retired as a 20-year military veteran and founded Educational Achievement Services, Inc. (EAS) to realize her personal dream and mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders today. Consuelo has created The Family Leadership Institute (FLI) as a branch of Educational Achievement Services, Inc. FLI is a comprehensive program dedicated to helping immigrant Hispanic families participate in their children’s education so that their young people stay in school and pursue advanced degrees.</p>
<p>Castillo-Kickbusch’s results-oriented seminars utilize real-life case studies, successful leadership behaviors and guiding principles through role-play to provide a dynamic and interactive learning environment. As a result, participants develop leadership skills and achieve optimum performance. She also helps them to examine the role our diverse cultures and backgrounds bring to leadership development.</p>
<p> <img alt="" src="/fsunow/sites/default/files/medium_Michael%20Belmear_CMYK.jpg" class="adaptive-image" /></p>
<p><strong>Michael Belmear </strong><br /><strong>10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 </strong><br /><strong>Colebank Hall Gym</strong></p>
<p>Michael Belmear will be the Saturday morning keynote speaker for the Annual Student Leadership Conference.</p>
<p>Belmear began his career in higher education at West Virginia University working as the stack supervisor for the downtown main campus library from 1971 to 1974. He was then hired at WVU as an admissions counselor from 1974 to 1978 and was responsible for increasing minority enrollment. During that time, both overall university enrollment and minority enrollment increased.</p>
<p>Michael Belmear came to Fairmont State as a Student Affairs counselor in August 1979. In this position, he served as a counselor and recruiter. His duties were later expanded to include advisor to the Student Government and Student Activities programs. For 31 years, he was director of the New Student Orientation program, and he also created and directed the annual statewide Fairmont State and Pierpont Leadership Conference. In 1993, he was appointed Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and then served as Vice President for Student Affairs for FSU and Pierpont. His responsibilities included housing, multicultural affairs, disability services, student health service, counseling, student activities and development, career services and managing the Turley Center.</p>
<p>During his time at Fairmont State and Pierpont, Belmear worked to get Student Government executive officers paid, created the statewide student leadership conference, expanded the New Student Orientation program, created the Fairmont State and Pierpont Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series, served as Vice President for the Governor’s Commission on the Holocaust, created the Student Affairs Hall of Fame, organized and helped create the exchange program with the University of Calabria in Italy including a Summer Exchange Camp for high school students from Italy and created the Diversity Scholars Camp for minority students.</p>
<p>Throughout his professional career, he was selected as the Classified Staff Employee of the Year in 1995, elected President of The WV Association of Student Personnel Administrators, received the West Virginia Association of Student Personnel Distinguished Service Award, received The City of Fairmont Arts and Humanities Commission Patron of the Arts Award and was selected as the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival 2009 Honorary Italian Man of The Year.</p>
<p>Belmear is a native of Fairmont and earned his B.A. degree in Public Relations and M.A. in counseling and guidance from West Virginia University. He taught undergraduate classes in Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Race, Class and Gender and Empowering Leadership. He and his wife Robin live in Morgantown and have two sons, Michael and Andrew. He enjoys golf and is an avid reader.</p>
<p> <img alt="" src="/fsunow/sites/default/files/medium_Liz%20Murray_CMYK.jpg" class="adaptive-image" /></p>
<p><strong>Liz Murray <br />
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 <br />
7pm Colebank Gym</strong></p>
<p>Liz Murray’s life is a triumph over adversity and a stunning example of the importance of dreaming big. Murray’s life as the child of cocaine-addicted parents in the Bronx was bitterly grim. There was never food in the house, everything was filthy, drugs were everywhere and the welfare checks were spent before they arrived.</p>
<p>By age 15, Murray’s mom had died and she was homeless—living on the streets, riding the subway all night and eating from dumpsters. Amidst this pain, Murray always imagined her life could be much better than it was. “I started to grasp the value of the lessons learned while living on the streets. I knew, after overcoming those daily obstacles that next to nothing could hold me down,” she said. Determined to take charge of her life, Murray finished high school in just two years while camping out in New York City parks and subway stations.</p>
<p>Murray’s story is exhilarating and her delivery innocently honest, as she takes audiences on a very personal journey where she achieves the improbable. Lifetime Television produced a movie about Murray’s life story entitled “From Homeless to Harvard,”which premiered in April 2003.</p>
<p>Murray is the recipient of Oprah Winfrey’s first ever Chutzpah Award. Her memoir, “Breaking Night,” was released in September 2010 and within a week landed on The New York TimesBest-seller List. Murray received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University in June 2009.</p>
<p> <img alt="" src="/fsunow/sites/default/files/medium_Geraldine%20Brooks%20Credit%20Randi%20Baird%20CC%20hi-res.jpg" class="adaptive-image" /></p>
<p><strong>Geraldine Brooks</strong> <br /><strong>7 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2012 <br />
Colebank Hall Gym</strong><br /><br />
Geraldine Brooks’ “Year of Wonders” is the selected work for the campus-wide Common Reading Project for 2011-2012.</p>
<p>Australian-born Geraldine Brooks is an author and journalist who grew up in the Western suburbs of Sydney and attended Bethlehem College Ashfield and the University of Sydney. She worked as a reporter for The Sydney Morning Heraldfor three years as a feature writer with a special interest in environmental issues.</p>
<p>In 1982 she won the Greg Shackleton Australian News Correspondents scholarship to the journalism master’s program at Columbia University in New York City. Later she worked for The Wall Street Journal, where she covered crises in the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans.</p>
<p>She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 for her novel “March.” Her first novel, “Year of Wonders,” is an international bestseller and “People of the Book”is a New York Times bestseller translated into 20 languages. She is also the author of the nonfiction works “Nine Parts of Desire” and “Foreign Correspondence.”</p>
<p>Brooks married author Tony Horwitz in Tourette-sur-Loup, France, in 1984. They have two sons– Nathaniel and Bizuayehu–and two dogs. They divide their time between homes in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., and Sydney, Australia.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/student-affairs">Student Affairs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/celebration-ideas-lecture-series">Celebration of Ideas Lecture Series</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/michael-belmear">Michael Belmear</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/morris-morrison">Morris Morrison</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/alumni">Alumni</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/staff">Staff</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/alumni-relations">Alumni Relations</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/lee-maynard">Lee Maynard</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/byron-pitts">Byron Pitts</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/liz-murray">Liz Murray</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/geraldine-brooks">Geraldine Brooks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/annual-student-leadership-conference">Annual Student Leadership Conference</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/consuelo-castillo-kickbusch-0">Consuelo Castillo-Kickbusch</a></div></div></div>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:43:13 +0000apellegrin9047 at http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunowAlumnus Morris Morrison to Speak at Winter Commencement on Dec. 18http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/alumnus-morris-morrison-speak-winter-commencement
<div class="field field-name-field-news-date field-type-date field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Thursday, December 09, 2010</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-share-buttons field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Alumnus Morris Morrison to Speak at Winter Commencement on Dec. 18 - FSUNow | Fairmont State University" addthis:url="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/academics/alumnus-morris-morrison-speak-winter-commencement"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_tweet" tw:count="horizontal" tw:via="FairmontState"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_google_plusone" g:plusone:size="standard"></a>
<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest"></a>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_display/public/news_images/Morris%20Morrison.jpg?itok=4vUvRwOx" rel="lightbox[field_news_image][]" title=""><img src="http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow/sites/default/files/styles/news_full_story/public/news_images/Morris%20Morrison.jpg?itok=5in26iNs" width="225" height="300" alt="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
<p>
About 250 students will graduate during Winter Commencement for Fairmont State University. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Feaster Center. A reception in the Falcon Center will immediately follow the ceremony.</p>
<!--break-->
<p>
Fairmont State alumnus Morris Morrison, a motivational speaker and leadership development profession who is the owner of Morris Morrison Development Group in Lake Norman, N.C., will be the speaker. Katrina Marie Oswalt of Wadestown will be the student speaker representing the graduating class.</p>
<p>
Morris Morrison was born in New York City. Shortly after his birth, his parents died, leaving him an orphan. Upon the last request of his parents, Morrison was cared for and raised by the late Gwendolyn Sanders, of Fairmont. Although she died when Morris was very young, Mrs. Sanders left Morris in the hands of a community that would be instrumental in assisting him as he fulfilled a bedside promise that he made to Mrs. Sanders before she died: to keep a never-compromising level of courage to pursue his true potential, all while growing and helping others through his journey. </p>
<p>
Despite the challenges that Morrison faced at an early age, he continued to remain focused and passionate towards his personal leadership development. He was a member of the 1996 State Championship basketball team at Fairmont Senior High School. He was a recipient of West Virginia University’s Health Careers Opportunity Program Scholarship for Pre-Med Students at West Virginia University. He ultimately chose to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College where he was a Bonner Scholarship award winner for leadership and service, prior to transferring to Fairmont State College. </p>
<p>
As a student at Fairmont State, Morrison was actively involved in campus life. He served as a two-term member of the Board of Advisors, where he participated in capital campaigns and campus development initiatives. He was also elected by his peers as Student Body President, Homecoming King, President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was a member of the Fairmont State men’s basketball team. </p>
<p>
Morrison received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fairmont State and a master’s degree in industrial labor-relations from West Virginia University. He was selected by BB&amp;T Bank as a distinguished member of the financial industry’s top Leadership Development Group: the BB&amp;T Management Development Program.</p>
<p>
He is the current owner of Morris Morrison Development Group, based out of Lake Norman, N.C. In addition to becoming a highly sought-after motivational speaker and leadership development professional, Morrison is also fulfilling his current role with Pfizer, Inc., the world’s leading pharmaceutical company. He recently finished a term as a board member for WVU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Program. He serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Carolina and as a board member for the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc. </p>
<p>
Selected by the Office of Student Affairs, Katrina Marie Oswalt will present remarks on behalf of the graduating class. The daughter of Kevin and Cindy Tustin and the late Paul Oswalt, Katrina was born in Great Falls, Montana, and moved to Wadeston, West Virginia, in 1998. She is a 2006 graduate of Clay Battelle High School. Today, she will graduate <em>Cum Laude</em> from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphics Technology and a minor in Education. While attending FSU, Katrina was active in various student organizations. She was president of the Collegiate 4-H Club for two years, secretary of the Student Graphics Organization, and was a Freshman Counselor for four years. Katrina’s hobbies include sewing, playing sports, photography, and spending time with her nephews and niece.</p>
<p>
Handicapped parking will be available on Dec. 18, and parking attendants from the Department of Public Safetywill be on hand to direct traffic. The Feaster Center parking lot located directly across Squibb Wilson Boulevard from the Duvall-Rosier Field parking lot will be used for handicapped parking. This lot allows guests to enter the Feaster Center directly onto the arena floor.</p>
<p>
Seating will be available on the bottom rows of the arena for those with special needs. For more information, call the Office of Disability Services at (304) 367-4686 or the Department of Public Safety at (304) 367-4157. Sign language interpreting services will be provided during the ceremony.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/commencement">Commencement</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/fsunow/category/tags/morris-morrison">Morris Morrison</a></div></div></div>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:00:18 +0000apellegrin8840 at http://www.fairmontstate.edu/fsunow